A recent thrust in the development of regenerative fuel cell systems h
as been led by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). R
egenerative fuel cell systems provide energy storage at a scale that is la
rger than what is practical with advanced batteries. In a regenerative fue
l cell system\, energy storage is achieved via the electrolysis of water t
o hydrogen and oxygen gas during the storage phase. Consumption of gases t
hen occurs during the energy generation phase\, with the subsequent genera
tion of water. It is envisioned that the energy for the electrolysis of wa
ter be supplied via solar power. The regenerative fuel cell systems can be
used to power robots\, mobility systems\, and human habitats. This talk w
ill provide an introduction of fuel cells and regenerative fuel cell syste
ms and highlight the features of this technology for enabling future NASA
missions to the moon\, near-Earth asteroids\, and Mars.